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Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Market Size

ID: MRFR//4794-HCR | 100 Pages | Author: Priya Nagrale| May 2024

The market factors influencing the Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) industry encompass a wide array of elements that dictate its demand, production, and growth trajectory. Firstly, the primary driving force behind the MTBE market is its extensive application in gasoline blending. As an octane booster and oxygenate, MTBE enhances fuel performance, aiding in efficient combustion and reducing emissions. This reliance on MTBE in the fuel sector significantly impacts its market dynamics, subject to fluctuations in gasoline demand, regulatory shifts in fuel composition, and alterations in environmental policies.

Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Market Size was valued at USD 142.1 Billion in 2022. The methyl tertiary butyl ether industry is projected to grow from USD 165.2 Billion in 2023 to USD 407.9 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.26%

Additionally, the availability and pricing of raw materials, specifically isobutylene and methanol, play a pivotal role in shaping the MTBE market landscape. Any volatility or disruptions in the supply chain of these key components directly influence the production and pricing of MTBE. Fluctuations in crude oil prices, as a precursor to methanol production, can also exert considerable influence on the market dynamics, affecting cost structures and profit margins within the industry.

The regulatory environment constitutes another critical factor impacting the MTBE market. Stringent environmental regulations governing fuel composition and emission standards significantly influence the demand for MTBE. Policies mandating oxygenated fuels or the reduction of pollutants in gasoline can propel or hinder the market growth of MTBE. Furthermore, evolving environmental concerns and shifts towards cleaner fuel alternatives, such as ethanol or other oxygenates, pose challenges to the sustained demand for MTBE.

Global economic conditions and geopolitical factors also cast a substantial impact on the MTBE market. Economic downturns or geopolitical tensions can disrupt trade flows, affecting the availability of MTBE in various regions and impacting market prices. Additionally, evolving trade policies, tariffs, and geopolitical tensions can alter the supply chain dynamics, influencing both production and distribution of MTBE on a global scale.

Technological advancements and innovation contribute significantly to the market dynamics of MTBE. Continuous efforts to develop more efficient and environmentally friendly production processes, alongside research into alternative fuel additives, directly impact the competitiveness and market positioning of MTBE. Adoption of newer technologies not only enhances production efficiency but also helps in complying with stringent environmental regulations, thereby influencing market preferences and demand.

Moreover, shifting consumer preferences towards cleaner and sustainable fuels also contribute to the market factors of MTBE. Increased awareness and demand for eco-friendly fuel options may steer the industry towards alternative additives or biofuels, potentially impacting the market share and growth prospects of MTBE.

Global Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Market Overview


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Market Size was valued at USD 142.1 Billion in 2022. The methyl tertiary butyl ether industry is projected to grow from USD 165.2 Billion in 2023 to USD 407.9 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.26% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032). Rising demand for gasoline and gasoline additives in the oil and gas and marine industries are the key drivers enhancing the market growth.


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Market


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Market Trends



  • Rising demand for gasoline and gasoline additives is driving the market growth.


Market CAGR for methyl tertiary butyl ether is being driven. Due to its high oxygen content raising property, the market for methyl tertiary butyl ether is primarily used as a fuel additive in gasoline engines. It also promotes complete fuel combustion and lessens engine knocking, extending the machine’s life. Motor vehicle emissions can be decreased using fuel containing methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). Aside from the uses listed above, MTBE is also employed in medical procedures to dissolve gallstones. Isobutylene can be made from MTBE by additional processing. Butyl rubber, polyisobutylene, and methyl methacrylate (MMA), used in various end-use industries like automotive, industrial manufacturing, and electronics, are produced from isobutylene. Due to its economic viability and superior blending capabilities, refining companies favor using MTBE as a fuel additive.


MTBE is an organic compound that has the characteristics of being colorless, explosive, and volatile. Methanol and isobutylene interact chemically to produce MTBE. It primarily functions as an octane booster and anti-knocking agent in gasoline engine fuel. The demand for MTBE Market is anticipated to rise as the automotive sector expands in Asian markets. The demand for MTBE is also anticipated to increase due to the rising demand for gasoline and gasoline additives in the oil and gas and marine industries. However, one of the main factors expected to restrain the growth of the methyl tertiary butyl ether market is the existence of strict regulations regarding groundwater contamination due to gasoline leakages containing MTBE. During the forecasting period, the trend is anticipated to continue. Due to the abundance of vehicles in the area, India, China, and Japan were the three biggest consumers of MTBE. The main factors influencing the use of MTBE in this Region are laxer environmental protection regulations and MTBE's cost-effectiveness. The production of benzene and formaldehyde in gasoline is decreased thanks to the excellent blending properties of methyl tert-butyl ether.


Although it costs a lot, methyl tert-butyl ether is frequently produced in refinery-based plants. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether production is also constrained by laws and regulations worldwide because of environmental and health risks. The main application of methyl tert-butyl ether is as an additive in gasoline. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether reduces vehicle pollutants and engine knocking, extending car shelf life and fueling market expansion in the automotive industry. Additionally, the maritime and oil and gas industries' rising demand for gasoline and gasoline additives promotes market growth. The largest category by the manufacturing process was fluid liquid crackers, which will likely continue during the projection period. Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether is frequently produced using fluid-liquid cracking because it is an easy and affordable process. Thus, driving the methyl tertiary butyl ether market revenue.


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Market Segment Insights


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Manufacturing Process Insights


Based on the manufacturing process, the methyl tertiary butyl ether market segmentation includes steam crackers, fluid liquid crackers, dehydrogenation, and dehydration. The steam cracker segment dominated the market; production of fundamental petrochemicals like ethylene, propylene, and butadiene is the main use of steam crackers. Plastics, synthetic fibers, rubbers, and solvents are just a few of the industries and products that these chemicals are used to build. Various chemical compounds can be produced through steam cracking, enabling producers to satisfy various market demands. It is possible to produce various products from a single steam cracker by varying the feedstocks and process parameters. It can be more affordable when comparing steam cracking to other petrochemical production methods. It can be more economical and more efficient to use resources if you can process a range of feedstocks, such as heavier or by-products from refining processes.


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Applications Insights


Based on applications, the methyl tertiary butyl ether market segmentation includes gasoline additives and others. The gasoline additive category generated the most income. Methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) is a chemical additive frequently added to gasoline as an octane booster and anti-knocking agent. Its low price and efficacy further boost the product's penetration in gasoline additives.


Figure 1: Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Market, by Applications, 2022 & 2032 (USD Billion)


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Market, by Applications, 2022 & 2032


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Regional Insights


By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World. The North American methyl tertiary butyl ether market area will dominate this market; MTBE has a high potential for growth during the forecast period because the Region's upcoming refinery industry will need it as an anti-knocking agent to lessen wear and tear on heavy machinery. In the U.S., because of the risks to groundwater, Canada has restricted the use of MTBE and favors bio-based fuel additives.


Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, German, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.


Figure 2: METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)


METHYL TERTIARY BUTYL ETHER MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Europe’s methyl tertiary butyl ether market accounts for the second-largest market share. Major MTBE producers and a developed automotive industry are helping the local market expand. Further, the German methyl tertiary butyl ether market held the largest market share, and the UK methyl tertiary butyl ether market was the fastest-growing market in the European Region.


The Asia-Pacific Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032. During the forecasting period, the trend is anticipated to continue. Due to the abundance of vehicles in the area, India, China, and Japan were the three biggest consumers of MTBE. The main factors influencing the use of MTBE in this Region are laxer environmental protection regulations and MTBE's cost-effectiveness. Moreover, China’s methyl tertiary butyl ether market held the largest market share, and the Indian methyl tertiary butyl ether market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Key Market Players & Competitive Insights


Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the methyl tertiary butyl ether market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, methyl tertiary butyl ether industry must offer cost-effective items.


Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the methyl tertiary butyl ether industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the methyl tertiary butyl ether industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to medicine. Major players in the methyl tertiary butyl ether market, including Sabic (Saudi Arabia), Evonik Industries (Germany), China National Petroleum Corporation (China), Huntsman International (US), ENI (Italy), LyondellBasell (Netherlands), Royal Dutch Shell (Netherlands), Emirates National Oil Company (UAE), QAFAC (Qatar), Gazprom (Russia), Shandong Dongming Petrochemical Group (China), and Reliance Industries Limited (India), and others are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.


Sabic (Saudi Arabia), Since its establishment in 1976 by royal decree, SABIC has demonstrated an amazing capacity to accomplish previously thought impossible goals. SABIC is a publicly traded company headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and is one of the biggest producers of petrochemicals in the world. Saudi Aramco owns 70% of the stock in the company; the remaining 30% is traded on the Saudi stock exchange. The development of SABIC has been nothing short of miraculous. With operations in about 50 countries today, the company employs more than 31,000 talented people worldwide.


Royal Dutch Shell (Netherlands), with over 90,000 employees across more than 70 countries, it is a multinational group of energy and petrochemical companies. To contribute to developing a sustainable energy future, it use cutting-edge technologies and adopt creative strategies. Shell is a multinational conglomerate of energy and petrochemical firms with the mission of providing the world's expanding demand for more and cleaner energy sources in ethically sound ways from an economic, environmental, and social perspective. Honesty, integrity, and respect for people are shared core values at Shell that guide all of the work. All Shell employees are guided by the company's general business principles, code of conduct, and ethics and compliance manual as they act in accordance with these ideals and adhere to all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.


Key Companies in the methyl tertiary butyl ether market include




  • Sabic (Saudi Arabia)

  • Evonik Industries (Germany)

  • China National Petroleum Corporation (China)

  • Huntsman International (US)

  • ENI (Italy)

  • LyondellBasell (Netherlands)

  • Royal Dutch Shell (Netherlands)

  • Emirates National Oil Company (UAE)


  • QAFAC (Qatar)

  • Gazprom (Russia)

  • Shandong Dongming Petrochemical Group (China)

  • Reliance Industries Limited (India).


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Industry Developments


March 2022: The company has been producing MTBE using the TBA and fluid liquid cracker techniques since 1987. Most of the MTBE the business produces is used in gasoline mixing. The demand for MTBE is largely met by a small number of producers, including Evonik Industries AG, in a semi-consolidated market. The company has started using an acquisitions strategy to increase its market share.



May 2023: The International Energy Agency (IEA) released a report that said that the global MTBE market is expected to decline by 2% per year from 2023 to 2028. This is due to the phasing out of MTBE in gasoline in many countries.

Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Market Segmentation


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Manufacturing Process Outlook



  • Steam Cracker

  • Fluid Liquid Cracker

  • Dehydrogenation

  • Dehydration


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Application Outlook



  • Gasoline Additive

  • Others


Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether Regional Outlook



  • North America

    • US

    • Canada



  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Rest of Europe



  • Asia-Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Rest of Asia-Pacific



  • Rest of the World

    • Middle East

    • Africa

    • Latin America



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